Reverend JW Simpson have announced a brand new series of informative, interactive and irreverent Spirited Sermons master-classes. The Reverend will be praising and preaching about some of the world’s oldest and most fascinating spirits, offering innovative takes on classic recipes before inviting guests to try their hand at shaking them to life.

Hosted by ambassadors and master distillers from carefully selected premium and boutique drink brands and taking place throughout 2015, Spirited Sermons takes London’s cocktail enthusiasts and aficionados on a journey that explores Irish Poitín, Indian Gin, Mayan Liqueurs, Pre-phylloxera Cognac and more.

17th March: Irish Poitín – St Paddys Day SpecialThe Reverend will be honouring the Emerald Isle this St Paddy’s Day with an Irish Poitín masterclass. Poitín is a traditional Irish distilled beverage which was discovered in the sixth century. Banned for 300 years, it was only legalised in 1997 and in recent years Poitín has discarded its reputation as a dangerous homemade concoction and is enjoying a comeback. Hosted by Charlie McCarthy, who has been consulting for whiskey companies on events and programmes for over six years, this masterclass will be an amusing and informative insight into the history and tasting notes of the original Irish moonshine.7th April- Mayan Liqueurs – Casa d’Artisti- Luscious LiquidsXtabentún is an anise liqueur produced in Mexico’s Yucatán region using anise seed and fermented honey made by honey bees from the nectar of xtabentún flowers, before adding rum. Reverend JW Simpson will be showing guests how to channel the ways of an ancient civilisation and combine this unique and delicious liqueur in cocktails, to be served with beautiful handmade Mayan chocolates.

21st April- Pre-phylloxera Cognac – FerrandDuring the mid-1860s, a tiny pest with a very long name - phylloxera vastartrix - decimated French vineyards. At an enormous expense these were replanted mainly with grapes other than the Folle Blanche or Colombard which were so common, and in doing so the flavour of Cognac was changed forever. One for real Cognac enthusiasts, this masterclass is hosted by the Ferrand brand ambassador Paul McFayden. Pierre Ferrand Cognac is produced using cutting-edge techniques to recreate the vintage taste of a bottle of cognac from the pre-phylloxera 1840s, enabling guests at this masterclass to taste the past - a vibrant and flavoursome cognac from a lost age which also works beautifully in cocktails.

5th May- Cinco de Mayo – Herradura - MangroveTo celebrate Mexican Independence Day, Spirited Sermons will take an in-depth look at the country’s most fascinating spirit for an evening of tequila tasting and Mexican tapas. This agave-focused sermon is hosted by Tequila Herradura - a distiller located in Mexico and founded in 1870. The tequila produced by Herradura is still made in Mexico and is still 100% agave, made in the same traditional ways as those of the last century. Definitely one for sipping, not shooting. Become a tequila aficionado on this noteworthy day by learning